Weight-loss surgery. Anyone mind telling me of their experiences?

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I'm just wondering about people's experiences with gastric bands/balloon/sleeves. No plans yet to undergo this myself but I do keep wondering.... Does it really work? Were there any negative side effects? Were you able to pay via a finance plan?
TIA

You might be better off asking this to be moved one to the weight loss or health topics?
But to answer your question, a friend of mine had a gastric sleeve and she lost a lot of weight. She made a lot of lifestyle changes with it too and worked very hard.

Thank you Magpie. I'm not actually sure why on earth I posted this here!

Not personally, but a good friend had a gastric band about eight years ago. She went from a 26 to a 14, so from that point of view it was a huge success - however she did have quite a lot of unpleasant side effects. She suffered from constant vomiting as food would get caught in the band, and at a couple of points was hospitalised with severe dehydration as the band became blocked and she couldn't get water down - she also on one occasion ruptured her oesophagus (sp?) from being sick so much. She's subsequently had the band completely emptied and has stabilised at a size 16, and is maintaining that with a heavy gym schedule and Weight Watchers.

Thank you Judy that's really interesting to read and obviously a very different side to the testimonials on the clinic sites. Many thanks.